Location: Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand
Setting: Vineyard
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 14
How long did the couple plan the event: 2 years
Wedding theme/style: Intimate vineyard, sophisticated, elegant, romantic, dreamy, refined.
Born in San Cristobal, Venezuela, Maria and Alejandro crossed paths in Valencia in 2009 through mutual friends. What started as a friendship blossomed into love when they reunited in 2015 on Margarita Island. From that moment, their connection only deepened, leading them to embark on a journey to New Zealand, leaving behind the familiar for the promise of a shared future.
Engaged in 2020, Maria and Alejandro faced the challenges of planning a wedding during a global pandemic. Originally intending to marry in Venezuela, circumstances led them to an intimate ceremony on Waiheke Island, Auckland, surrounded by vineyards. Unbeknownst to them, pandemic restrictions eased as the wedding date approached, allowing them to have a second celebration back home.
The proposal, a favorite moment for Maria and Alejandro, unfolded on Maria’s birthday in Wellington. Initially expecting a surprise birthday gift, Maria was presented with a carefully crafted notebook illustrated by Alejandro. The story, starting with Maria, transitioned into their journey as a couple—moving to New Zealand, living together, and their adventures. The romantic tale concluded with Alejandro proposing as music played, leading to a joy-filled moment of acceptance, laughter, tears, hugs, and dances. This unforgettable proposal remains a cherished memory for the couple.
The inspiration for their wedding was drawn from the picturesque vineyard setting on Waiheke Island. Opting for an intimate gathering with a small wedding added another layer of significance. Sharing this special occasion only with their closest friends allowed for a more profound connection, making the celebration even more personal and unique. Amid the scenic vineyard and with the presence of cherished friends, Maria and Alejandro created a day filled with love, warmth, and unforgettable moments.
Maria spent her wedding morning surrounded by her beloved mother and close friends. Together, they shared the joyful anticipation of the upcoming event, filling the moment with special warmth and excitement.
For the hairstyling and makeup, Maria opted for soft glam waves and glamorous smokey eye makeup. Entrusting the styling process to her experienced stylists, Maria provided minimal instructions, relying on their expertise and drawing inspiration from their previous work. The outcome exceeded her expectations, and Maria couldn’t be happier with the exceptional results. The soft glam waves and sophisticated smokey eye contributed to her overall look, adding a touch of elegance and enhancing the beauty of the special day.
An emotional moment was Maria’s first look with her bridesmaids when they saw her in her wedding attire for the first time. The bridesmaids were thrilled with the sight.
Maria had a clear vision for her wedding attire, desiring a non-traditional gown adorned with romantic lace fabric. Her determination to fulfill this vision led to an extensive online search for different styles. After weeks of exploration, Maria ultimately chose a sample dress from the renowned New Zealand brand Lovers Society.
Her choice was cemented by the enchanting features of the gown, including delicate flower lace, a mesmerizing backless design, and nude mesh. The combination and a beautiful slip dress underneath created a bold yet romantically illusionary bodice. Falling in love with these unique elements, Maria found the perfect gown that aligned with her non-traditional preference and exuded a captivating and romantic allure.
The wedding ceremony took place in the beautiful garden of Tantalus Estate. Instead of an altar, there was a gorgeous white arch adorned with soft pink peonies and white roses.
Maria and Alejandro engaged the services of a talented local acoustic singer and meticulously put together a playlist featuring beautiful songs that held deep personal meaning for them. The singer commenced her live set with a soulful rendition as the bride walked down the aisle. Following the ceremony, she continued with a romantic performance, creating an unbelievably tender atmosphere filled with dancing, canapés, heartfelt hugs, laughter, candid photos, and the joyful enthusiasm of bubbles.
Maria reflects on the significance of her mother’s presence, considering the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions and visa processing delays. Maria’s mother managed to attend the wedding, overcoming these hurdles, and the moment shared with her became genuinely magical. Maria fondly recalls the cherished memory of her mother walking her down the aisle alongside her sister, a moment that holds a special place in her heart.
The couple also discovered an exceptional celebrant who orchestrated a ceremony that was both heartwarming and beautiful. The emotional connection between Maria and Alejandro during the entire ceremony was palpable, leaving a lasting impact on them and their guests. This poignant moment became an invaluable and cherished memory for the couple.
Pia Bacino, a talented photographer who captured Maria and Alejandro’s wedding, took beautiful portraits of the couple afterward. These portraits reflect the love and tender feelings between the two. Pia skillfully showcased the beauty of the picturesque wedding venue, turning each photograph into a work of art. As a true artist, Pia has a keen sense of the moment, capturing every emotion to preserve its essence.
The wedding reception took place in an intimate restaurant setting. A long table accommodated all the guests, allowing accessible communication and fostering a unique familial and cozy atmosphere. The table was adorned with charming peony bouquets, adding a delightful touch to the ambiance.
A local South American baker on Waiheke Island crafted the delightful wedding cake. The baker Lilith Waiheke skillfully created a stunning two-tier chocolate mud cake adorned with delicate layers of dulce de leche. Incorporating Arequipe flavors added a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of their homeland. It served as a well-deserved treat after hours of dancing at the celebration.
The entire reception was infused with an atmosphere of love as family members congratulated the couple, evoking touching tears and joyful laughter. It was the kind of celebration that Alejandro and Maria had dreamed of, and their dream became a reality on this magical day.
The beautiful first dance of the newlyweds was a touching moment as the couple danced to a lovely melody, capturing the admiration of the guests. Each person was deeply moved by this beautiful moment shared by the couple.
The celebration was further enhanced by the expertise and creativity of Alejandro, who served as the DJ for the event. Leveraging his experience, he crafted thoughtfully curated playlists that seamlessly adapted to the varying moods and stages of the wedding. From guests arriving to dinner and dancing, the music was always tailored to complement the specific moments of the occasion. True to their South American roots, the playlists featured lively merengue and salsa, embodying the couple’s commitment to keeping the vibrant and energetic atmosphere alive throughout the celebration.
• Advice from the couple:
• Enjoy the moment as a couple. Drink, eat, be silly, kiss, dance, and spend time with your guests. Everyone says the same, but it goes by quickly, so make sure you have plenty of photos and videos to remember in the coming years.
PHOTOGRAPHER Pia Bacino | VENUE Tantalus Estate | CELEBRANT Carla Rotondo | GOWN Lovers Society, Yours Truly | HIRE Ｍy Waiheke | FRAGRANCE Marc Jacobs | RINGS Michael Hill | JEWELRY Gracious.Jewellery | FLORALS Wildflower Waiheke | CAKE Lilith Waiheke | SINGER Lauren Collins | STATIONARY Minted | MUA Mindy Ryan-Kidd | HAIR Amy Ryan | SUIT Barkers Clothing
